What does it take to lead in the 21st century? According to a recent IBM survey of more than 1,700 CEOs from 64 countries, the traditional command and control style is fading, making way to openness and employee empowerment. Companies that outperform the competition are also the most likely to have executives who are cultivating the collective intelligence of their workforce while championing the use of social media. Harvard Business Review (HBR) has written several articles on the New Leader, including such topics as moving from specialists to generalists or using mathematical algorithms to guide leadership decision making and training modules.

Clearly the game has changed. The old model of leader as manager is long gone. Today's leaders are players, coaches and cheerleaders for their people. Equal parts hands-on doers and inspiring motivators who understand the power of relationship building and collaborating to motivate and drive results. HBR outlines how New Leaders manage communication: "Traditional corporate communication must give way to a process that is more dynamic and more sophisticated. Most important, (the dialogue) must be conversational." It's a big shift and we're all still finding our way.

Join WXN and hear directly from Yael Cohen, the Founder of F___ Cancer, who was recently named as one of Fast Company Magazine’s 100 Most Creative People in Business. She used the emotional drive from her family’s battle with cancer to fuel the knowledge and strength needed to run one of Canada’s most effective not-for-profit organizations. She wasn’t afraid to ask for help, and believes in authentic dialogue, both in the message of the group and to the members of her staff. She has challenged them to push their boundaries and to not accept their own limitations.

She’s unleashed the potential of her people by listening to their needs and giving them the tools to do their best work. She’s always innovating, learning and seeking out new perspectives. She understands the power of connection and communication to drive results. She’s creating a new leadership paradigm. In essence, she’s defining what it means to be a “New Leader” every day. Hear her story on July 17.